Hatred in Canada

It is somewhat surprising that the anti-Semitism in Canada has gone largely unnoticed.

With the rising tide of anti-Jewish hostility in Europe getting so much
attention in recent months, it is somewhat surprising that an equally
worrisome trend across the Atlantic has gone largely unnoticed -- mounting
anti-Semitism in Canada.

With 360,000 Jews, Canada is home to the fifth largest Jewish community
outside of Israel, and America's northern neighbor has long prided itself
for its tolerance, openness, and freedom. But that legacy is now under
assault amid a spate of recent, and deeply troubling, incidents.

Over the past 12 months, there have been more than 300 anti-Semitic
incidents in Canada, or nearly one every day.

Over the past 12 months, there have been more than 300 anti-Semitic
incidents in Canada, or nearly one every day. Four synagogues have been the
targets of arson attacks, Jewish day schools have received bomb threats, and
there have been numerous property crimes and hate propaganda directed
against Jews and their institutions. The most serious incident occurred in
July, when David Rosenzweig, an Orthodox Jew, was murdered outside a kosher
restaurant in Toronto by a neo-Nazi skinhead.

Jewish students on Canadian campuses have also been particularly hard-hit,
with a string of anti-Israel and anti-Semitic incidents. Take, for example,
Montreal's Concordia University. In September, a riot broke out at the
school forcing the cancellation of a speech by former Prime Minister
Binyamin Netanyahu. During the melee, a Holocaust survivor was physically
assaulted and kicked in the groin.

On December 2, Concordia's student union voted to revoke the status of the
Jewish student group Hillel as a recognized campus organization and
suspended its annual funding. This has prompted Concordia Hillel members to
file a civil suit against the student union.

The situation on other campuses is hardly better. In fact, it has gotten so
bad that 100 prominent Canadians signed an ad in the December 17 Globe and
Mail taken out by a group called Solidarity with Jews at Risk stating, "An
increasing number of students in universities and colleges say that they
fear reprisals if they challenge prevailing pro-Palestinian, anti-Israel
views. If they argue that Israel has the right to exist, they are often
greeted with threats, even physical assault."

Rhetorical attacks on Jews have also taken place with increasing frequency.
Earlier this month, Saskatchewan Indian leader David Ahenakew referred to
Jews as a "disease" and sought to justify the Holocaust, asserting, "The
Jews [expletive] near owned all of Germany prior to the war. That's how
Hitler came in. He was going to make [expletive] sure that the Jews didn't
take over Germany or Europe. That's why he fried 6 million of those guys,
you know." Only after coming under a wave of criticism did Ahenakew
apologize for his remarks.

The Canadian government has not exactly helped things through its clumsy
handling of a number of Israel-related matters. In early October, the
Canadian Customs and Revenue Agency confiscated newsletters published by the
Ayn Rand Institute entitled In Moral Defense of Israel, claiming they had to
determine whether the material constituted "hate propaganda." The
newsletters were released a few days later.

Federal authorities have also been targeting the Canadian branch of Magen
David Adom, seeking to cancel its tax-exempt status because some of the
ambulances it has donated to MDA here are used in the territories, as if
geographical distinctions should be drawn when it comes to saving human
lives.

And yet, when it came to terrorist groups such as Hizbullah, Canada's
authorities showed far less alacrity in clamping down on their activities.
In October, Prime Minister Jean Chretien went so far as to attend a
conference in Lebanon alongside Hizbullah leader Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah.
Then, on November 27, when the Canadian government announced that it was
adding six terrorist groups, such as Hamas, to its list of prohibited
organizations, it incredibly refused to include Hizbullah. Only once B'nai
B'rith Canada took the government to court was the Chretien administration
embarrassed into reversing its decision.

It is time for the Canadian government to take a firmer stand against anti-Semitism.

For a country that has spent the past two decades fostering multiculturalism
and decrying xenophobia, the spate of anti-Semitism in Canada is especially
disconcerting. The fact that it has received less global attention than it
deserves does not take away from the danger which it poses to Canadian
society and its democratic institutions.

One Jew was already murdered earlier this year in the heart of Toronto
because of his identity. It is time for the Canadian government to step in
and take a firmer stand against anti-Semitism, before this age-old prejudice
claims any more victims.

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Visitor Comments: 40

(36)
Kim,
March 11, 2014 7:52 PM

Anti-semitism in Canada

As a Canadian lover of all kinds of people and who is also triracial ( including just a little bit Jewish on my mother's side), It makes me very upset when society turns a blind eye to hate and wants to pretend it will go away. I have been told that hate against Jews is on the rise and I believe it. Hate, discrimination, lies, misinformation and so forth is never right and even if the comment does not affect me personally, I speak up because it is wrong! Shalom.

(35)
Anonymous,
May 29, 2012 8:57 PM

Antisemitism indoctrination worsens

Many families and leaders still indoctrinate there kids in antisemitism
(1) The mosque is a center for antisemitc indoctrination where Moslem's raise funds to wipe out the Jews which is tax deductable in most countiys
(2) Many Catholics still consider Jews as the killer of Christ. In my teens I was asked by my neighber how I could remain Jewish since my neighbors kids were taught by parents and the church that Jews killed Christ.
(3) Saddist is that many Jews think that Jews must not defend theirselves against terrorism in Israel since this is unfair to the freedom palastinian fighters. Also most Jews do not have enough knowledge and do not care to realize the falsehood of this support for terrrorists. These people refuse to accept the Muslim hatred for Jews and the psychologic and phyiscal damage of daily rockets from Gaza enter Israel and terrorize the citizens of Israel. If cuba was sending rockets into the USA everyday I am sure Americans would not symphatize with the cubans.
(5) Also, leaders in most countries do not support Israel. Even President Obama who states he supports Israel demanded Israel stop settlements for 1 year, but refused to apply pressure on the PLO to begin Peach talks until the year was almost over. Then Obama and his staff again demanded that despite no PLO meeting with Israel that Israel must nog refused to stop building homes for their citizens in the west bank portion of Israel and in Jerusalem. , He continues to fund the PLO when they refused to meet for peace talks and when the PLO went against his demand to not seek statehood in the UN.
The world does not see the Jews as moral people since Jew wants another Holocaust. All of us must make antisemiitsm problems awarness increase or we will continue to see greater antisemitism.

(34)
david,
August 1, 2011 3:52 AM

Israel Needs To Earn Its Respect

I live in Canada, but grew up in the USA. I can say that there is a healthy pro-Israel sentiment in both countries. However, any nation, be it Canada, the USA, or Israel must earn its respect, and then once earned, work hard to keep it.
Israel's attack on the flotilla in international waters (an International war crime) did not help Israel keep her earned respect, and actually was one event out of many in recent years, which have caused Israel to lose respect in many people's minds.
Israel cannot lower herself to the level of "thugs" and expect to have the highest graces of the people of the world.
Holding a nation accountable for its actions IS NOT anti-semitism.
If Canada or the USA had committed the attack on the flotilla, it would have put either of those nations in disrepute internationally. Israel cannot expect the people of the world to allow it to commit atrocities like this, and still somehow expect to venerate Israel, or bow to it as if it is G-D.
Israel must walk humbly before the world, if it wants to be thought of as representing G-D in the world. Pride, and haughtiness go before a fall.
Could it be that the war against Gog and MaGog, or Amegeddon, has to be faught because all the nations of the world as so fed up with Israel's pride, that they have finally had enough of being ruled by a brute beast?
I would rather have Israel humble herself and repent for her sins, and her wickedness. Then, once humbled, and once we can see a real transparency in her, then maybe G-D will be able to use her as a true example to the world, and then maybe He will fill her with His Spirit, so that she can be light to the world.
Lately, it seems that Israel wants to expand the darkness, by demanding its wishes on the rest of the world, and resorting to extremely poorly executed military tactics when she can't get her way.
Nobody respects a bully. Nobody.
So if Israel acts like the bully on the playground, she might get her way, but she will not get respect.

izzy,
March 22, 2012 3:03 PM

pathetic self hating jew

Israel's attack on the flotilla???
You got to be kidding - are you a suicidal Jew?

Anonymous,
March 25, 2012 5:45 PM

The problem

I cant speak about Canada but I can tell you USA is full
like him. Is very sad.

(33)
PATRICIA JONES,
April 27, 2011 3:56 AM

HATRED IN CANADA

I was appalled at the comments by the Saskatchewan Indian Leader David Ahenakew about the Jews. I would have thought such a person would know what it is like to be persecuted - like the native Indians were in the past and still are. Apologies are all very well - but the words - once spoken - cannot be recalled. Mud will stick and unless we have Governments that are not afraid to bring about changes - this cancer will grow.

Sandra,
August 1, 2011 1:42 AM

Thank you

Very well said. Thank you!

(32)
Mike,
April 26, 2010 6:44 PM

If you Go on YouTube some one always has to say something antisemitic about Gary Bettman, to say. Saying you think he is a poor job of running the NHL is not good enough. One must write something antisemitic, because he is Jewish after all. I am trying to counter the antisemitic comments, but their are many of them. For the few that may not know, Gary Bettman is the commissioner of the NHL.

(31)
razak,
April 8, 2010 3:23 AM

Anti-Israel not necessarily anti-semitism

"Jewish students on Canadian campuses have also been particularly hard-hit, with a string of anti-Israel and anti-Semitic incidents. "
You cannot assume that anti-Israel incidents are fueled by anti-Semitism. Criticism of Israel is a legitimate political view.

Anonymous,
August 1, 2011 1:48 AM

No justification for harassing pro-Israel students

That you claim criticism of Israel is a "legitimate political view" does not justify the hatred and abuse directed at students who support Israel and have a right to challenge criticism. In the name of bashing Israel, Jewish students are allowed to be verbally and physically assaulted. The "criticism" often turns to hatred.

(30)
kevin,
July 31, 2008 3:30 PM

canada has always been a country of freedom and speach we are the country of which our grandfathers fought for to be the peace country we are known for shall we disrespect there fight and lives lost to be where we are we have all nation in this country and we should treat them like ourself famous saying do on to others like you would like to do on to you. I hope the rest of the world could be this way to have global peace. thank you

(29)
John,
June 9, 2005 12:00 AM

Insane

I read in disbelief how humans act this way. Looking at information of the Holocuase, movies like the pianist, makes me think, and know that this will never happen again. It has, and is currently happeing. Disgusting

(28)
cassandra,
May 6, 2005 12:00 AM

disgusted

As a very proud Canadian, i found this artical very disturbing. It's hard to belive that in such a nation of peace that this exists. As a high school catholic student i was assigned a project to anti-semitism in Canada, what i have found on this site, and many others, have showed hatred without reason. To know that the government that i have once dreamed to follow in, has done nothing to prevent these situations of hate is very appaling. I live in Toronto, and have never heard anyhing of a man being killed, although I read the newspaper everyday. I'm digusted and shocked.

(27)
Ian Kehler,
February 3, 2005 12:00 AM

No apology could be acceptable

I just read with shock, and disgust, the story of Mr Ahenakew's current situation in MacLean's magazine. To think that his appearance was to address health care, and led to the most vile statements I have ever seen printed by a Canadian representative has me stunned. I have been reading, and researching the state of mind that a leader such as Adolf Hitler instilled in all of the people that followed his beliefs, and I am shocked and saddened that Mr Ahenakew could hold such views in the world that we live in today. His apologies for his comments fall on completely deaf ears. They are driven by his circumstance of what he has lost, and nothing more. He has had 40 years to have an 'epiphany' on his anti-semitic views, and to think of the decisions that he has had control over, while holding such hatred, is disturbing to say the least. Mr Ahenakew, there is NO loss that you could suffer that would match the devastation and murder brought on to millions of people at the hands of criminal, racist minds such as yours. Therefore, you should lose everything.
Your shame is not only yours, but the shame of an entire Nation.

(26)
Edward Prather,
August 22, 2003 12:00 AM

The Old Argument

"it disturbs me when you put everyone in the same light and imply that everyone in Canada hates Jews"

When people speak we speak in generalizations since it is obviously impossible to know and fully assess the feelings, motives, and logic used by even several thousand let alone a nation the size of Canada.

Since there is evidence that Jewish (or Jewish sympathizers) voices are being pushed aside or silenced outright, as well as a growing population of people willing to physically harm people simply because of a belief in The Torah does cast a darkening shadow over the landscape of Canada no matter how many Jewish friends you may have.

"I would strongly suggest that you know your facts before you publish them, because as you well know the Written Word is very powerful and people who read, think this is the Gospel truth, when in reality it could just be someone's else opinion"

Another gem of wisdom. But what this aslo says is that people can not divide fact from fiction - or at the very least they make no effort to do so.

Why is this the case do you think? Do you request retractions from the numerous lies and false tales published about Jews, Israel, and Israel's supporters in the mass media, or do you confine your advice to the Jerusalem Post and here?

The Hate Crimes Commisars in Canada *DO* put up a bigger fight with pro-Israel speakers because they know there is nothing to fear. The badger Conservative Americans who speak as well for the same reason - we won't bring loads of bombs and death to the CN Tower like some other groups may.

The Hate Crimes laws that limit what people may say, or how they say it defy the most important aspect of speaking at all: Content. We do not need David Ahenakew giving fake apologies so that he doesn't get put in jail, nor do we need Mr. Pipes being educated as to how to phrase statements so as to avoid the 'Hammer of the Law' from crushing him either.

When someone has to watch for Party Officials dragging them off stage for mere words you are not free because freedom of speech *DOES* include speaking your mind.

Do you think Mr. Pipes would have been let off if he apologized?

(25)
Kristy,
July 22, 2003 12:00 AM

Thank-you so much for this site. I am doing a project on Canada during the Holocaust for History in summer school. I couldn't find anything except for in my textbook so I appreciate this. Thankz!
Bye-Bye!
Kristy

(24)
Deanna Johnson,
February 4, 2003 12:00 AM

Anti-Semitism must stop!

Canada seems to be on a perilous course. They are at odds with the United States, make no real effort to stop this movement of anti-semitism in their country, and do not do enough to stop terrorists coming into their country. I am just a Texan without power, but I pray for Israel and all her people. Their fate is our fate!

(23)
Anonymous,
February 3, 2003 12:00 AM

I am a Canadian and PROUD of it. I am sorry to hear that some Jews in Canada have had a difficult time with anti-semitism, and I am also not in agreement with the comments from Mr. David Ahenakew. However, it disturbs me when you put everyone in the same light and imply that everyone in Canada hates Jews. This is simply not true. I have friends who are Jews and I do not hate them or think less of them because they are Jews. Of course you will always have bigot whereever you go. I understand the Jews have been around a lot time, so they are more well known. I would strongly suggest that you know your facts before you publish them, because as you well know the Written Word is very powerful and people who read, think this is the Gospel truth, when in reality it could just be someone's else opinion. I am not denighing that there is some truth to your article, however, I would use caution and know your facts before you publish. I want you to know that not everyone hates Jews. Thank you.

(22)
anonymous,
January 10, 2003 12:00 AM

Thank-you!!! Please keep on 'keeping
on'; in other words let us get the
TRUTH out, let it not be hidden away.
How else can we be/become informed and do something about this, in canada and
throughout our world? G-d help us.

(21)
Hannah,
January 3, 2003 12:00 AM

Incorrect Information

I live in Toronto right now and I went to Concordia university in Montreal for the last two years. Yes there is a lot of anti-semitism at Concordia, riots, the Hillel table being removed from the main floor, ect. However the murder in Toronto was not a hate crime and the murderer was not a neo-nazi skin head. It is very important for us, if we want to succesfully fight anti-semitism, to be correct in who we blame and the information we circulate. Thank you

(20)
jack stern,
January 2, 2003 12:00 AM

anti semitisim in canada

who can i write to about their lack of prosecution of this subject? thanks.

(19)
Lee-Anne W,
January 2, 2003 12:00 AM

I agree. Keep printing articles that stand up for Israel

(18)
Johnathan R. Galt,
January 2, 2003 12:00 AM

David Rosenzweig's murder -- hate crime?

Ryan Nadel , 12/31/2002 wrote: "The murder in Toronto was found to be drug related, not an anti-semitic act."

Peter Somers , 12/29/2002 wrote: "David Rosenzweig's murderer was a non-Jewish visitor to the area who knew (from the street) that the pizza restaurant was a place to get drugs in the neighbourhood (one of the employees was a known provider)".
_________________________

I'd like to see some URLs to back up these assertions that the murder was drug-related and the King David Pizzeria was a 'known supplier'.

David Rosenzweig, a 48-year-old Orthodox Jewish man, was the father of six. I don't see where he was 'with a black girl' in the news reports.

He was outside the King David Pizzeria helping his son fix his car.

David Rosenzweig did not know his attackers, and may have been singled out because he was wearing a yarmulke, identifying him as Jewish, according to police.

Witnesses said the two skinheads entered the restaurant and tried to provoke the owner and some customers. One of the men was carrying a long knife.

The skinheads confronted Rosenzweig as they left the shop, stabbing him in the back. He had been helping his son repair a car outside the pizzeria at the time.

The skinheads said that they were angry at being refused service at the Israeli-owned King David pizzeria in the heart of the Jewish neighborhood of North York. They claim that after attacking and lightly wounding an employee of the restaurant, they were on their way out when they encountered the victim - who, it now appears, only stopped at the restaurant to call for help, after his car broke down.

"I don't categorize him as a skinhead. I categorize him as a white male who's got his head shaved," Clarke said. When asked if McBride had any links to White Power groups, Clarke said tersely: "I'm not going to deal any further with hate-related crime." ...

But the police conclusion isn't widely accepted by members of the city's Jewish community.

"If someone walks into an obvious Jewish establishment filled with visible Jews, proceeds to be abusive and then knifes a Jew in the back ... well, I don't think it's necessary for someone to say, `I hate Jews'," said Frank Dimant, executive vice-president of B'nai Brith Canada, yesterday.

http://carn.topcities.com/newsjuly16_02.htm

_____

Early Sunday, Rosenzweig had gone to help one of his sons whose car had been disabled in a minor collision.

The auto accident occurred on Bathurst Street, in the heart of the city's Orthodox Jewish community, a neighborhood of Jewish parochial schools, kosher pizzerias and Nazi Holocaust survivors including Rosenzweig's parents. Rosenzweig, like many in the area, was dressed in traditional Orthodox garb--skullcap, black clothes and a beard.

Landy said witnesses told him they heard a young man shout "He's a rabbi," before someone stabbed Rosenzweig in the back with a 12-inch blade, severing his aorta and killing him almost instantly.
...

Police spokesman Clarke said the suspect and two friends appeared to be looking to buy drugs, though the neighborhood is not known as that type of area. On Saturday night, the group was unsuccessful in their efforts to buy drugs and went to the King David, a late-night kosher pizzeria, searching for someone, Clarke said.

Witnesses at the King David said the group was argumentative and hostile, but not openly anti-Jewish.

When they left the restaurant, Rosenzweig and his son were across the street.

It is so so simple; Jews need to live here in Eretz Israel. Come by yourselves or wait to be kicked out, the choice is yours. JEWS WAKE UP!

And as a friend sugested to me, let us call it for what it is. Let us not call it "anti-semitism", let us call it Anti-Jew. when was the last time someone called you "a dirty Semite"?!

(16)
J.D,
January 1, 2003 12:00 AM

inacurate reporting?...hardly!

The only inacurate reporting that I can see is that the reporter failed to talk about some of the other 295 or so reports on anti-Semitic incidents in Canada. In Saskatoon a Synagogue was firebombed resulting in 200 thousand dollars damage (however maybe the bomber didn't realize that he was attacking a Synagogue...the building was just in the wrong place at the wrong time.)
I was happy to hear the support of many religous denominations after David Ahenakew's remarks. It should have also been reported that Mr. Ahenekew's hatred was also directed at others including "East Indians, Pakistanis and whites."(his words)
Sorry folks,anti-semitism is alive and well in Canada and likely only going to get worse under the sorry leadership Canada has experienced for many years.

J.D

(15)
Sarah,
December 31, 2002 12:00 AM

Yes, It Can Happen Again...

frightening, but true. But it won't be the same this time!! We have Israel; we know how to FIGHT BACK! We need to start fighting back NOW...and showing the world that we are NO LONGER VICTIMS! So when you overhear an anti-Semitic slur, a tasteless joke, when you get assaulted for wearing a kippah...DON'T KEEP SILENT! Fight small things and we can fight this disease of anti-Semitism. AM YISRAEL CHAI!!

(14)
Steven,
December 31, 2002 12:00 AM

It is always there

The hatred and anti semitism is always there. It only takes world problems to show on the horizon and very most of the times we are the ones to blame. Whenever it has to do with Israel or Jews it is always us to blame. Often I think it is in their blood to hate us. Not too long ago of of my friends just showed his true face to me. He told me to my face that as long as Jews walk this earth, there will be no peace. I was more than just shocked. We knew each other for a very long time. This is not the first time I was surprised in such way. We are talking more than 3000 years of such tradition. The last5 2000 years were the worse. Jews were burned, locked in prisons, expelled from countries and all for no reason. The article of the indian guy is nothing new to me. I was told this story many times. I was told that we tried to take over germany, spain, france and I was even told the same thing regarding poland. More and more I try to stick to my own, at least I will not experience words of hate. I know that if the arabs/muslims destroy Israel and Adonai forbid it to be true, we will be hated even more. Who knows, maybe another hitler or chmielnicki was already born. Now is the time for us to unite even more. Orthodox, conservative, reformed Jews should be like one strong family because we CAN NOT count on anybody else. To count on others is to learn another harsh lesson in our already painful history.

Shalom !!!!!

(13)
Ryan Nadel,
December 31, 2002 12:00 AM

Altough the author of this article made some very important points, they should do some more fact checking before publishing such a case. The murder in Toronto was found to be drug related, not an anti-semitic act. Canada should be condemned for its actions, but the situation should not be made worse then it is.

(12)
Rachel J.,
December 30, 2002 12:00 AM

I am ashamed to be a Canadian, and to be associated with the lack of support for maintaining Israel's existence. It saddens me deeply that a country which has so much can be so selfish and ignorant. G-d Bless Israel!!! -rachel

(11)
Raisy,
December 30, 2002 12:00 AM

student at Concordia

I'm a student at Concordia and feel quite threatened walking down the halls. The walls are absolutely plastered with disgusting photos and invitations to demonstrations, all pro-Palestinian, anti-Israeli. No one has said anything to me but it's uncomfortable seeing all this and knowing the administration is weak on putting a stop to this. There was a moratorium in place a few months back, after the Netanyahu riot against any Israeli-Palestinian discussion or debate. Yet the moratorium was challenged and ended shortly thereafter due to pressure from some MP's as another reader mentioned, I think Svend Robinson who intended to speak out on the issue. It's all quite disheartening. I'm in my third year of school, otherwise I'd switch out in a moment.

If any other concerned Concordia student is reading this would you have any advice on what we could do, or whom to contact?

(10)
emmy,
December 30, 2002 12:00 AM

Disgusting.

Stronger and much more vocal and more fierce input is needed to combat this scourge.If it means meeting on the same level then DO IT.What are Jews in their legitimate lives compared to the Islamics,and the Jew -haters holding back for??? Just DO IT -DO IT -DO IT!!!

(9)
M.M,
December 30, 2002 12:00 AM

It does not surprise me that the goverment of Canada is allowing this. Canada is a haven for terrorists. The F.B.I. had just annouced five muslim extremists entered the U.S. via Canada.

(8)
W.Dunkley,
December 30, 2002 12:00 AM

"Hatred in Canada" reads well but unfortunately presents an unbalanced view leaving out several salient facts.
1. the problem at Concordia was (and is) a problem at one University. There were demonstrations occurring at least 2 of the other stops Mr. Netanyahu had in his speaking tour, but there was no difficulty in getting him in and out and he spoke (and eloquently too, I hear) at all other locations. Only at Concordia did this fail to happen. This troubling denial of free speech is not confined to the Israeli side alone. Svend Robinson, the controversial (and Canadian) left-wing Member of Parliament has been feuding with Concordia's administration over being originally denied his opportunity to present his "anti-Israeli" side of the coin. This is one troubled University when it does not encourage Debate, but its' problems do not extend to the hundred (?) or more other "institutions of higher learning" in the country.

2. The Leaders of all 4 major "National" Parties in Canada, denounced the "David Ahenakew" tirade. I personally requested the Leader of my party, the Rt. Hon. Joe Clark to do so. His Office called to inform me that "Yes, of course Mr. Clark was doing so". As the comments (or filth) were publicized on a weekend it took till Monday for some to hear, digest and respond. The Prime Minister (and other Liberals), the left-wing NDP and the right-wing Canadian Alliance also decried his despicable comments. Matthew Coon Come, the current Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, the umbrella governing body of the Native peoples of Canada, went to the oldest Synagogue in the country to personally express his regrets to the Jewish community. The Saskatchewan Provincial Government has asked the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to investigate whether charges should be laid.

Let me assure everyone that the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada (which has again been running second in the polls for the past year although admittedly a "mile back of the Government") does care about all the "Communities of Canada". I'm a Member of the P.C. National Council.
3. The Toronto Police are adamant that they do not believe that Mr. Rosenzweig's horrific death was "targetting of Jews" Although I am doubtful of this view myself I am convinced that they are not "playing on semantics" here. They are not convinced that it was a hate crime.

Any anti-Semitism is too much, just as any terroism is too much, but the vast majority of Canadians of all ethnic backgrounds believe in the principles of "Free Speech" and "Tolerance". This in itself is not enough however. One of the reasons I urge people to support the Simon Wiesenthal Centre is that I understand, as I am confident the Post Editorial Board does, the there can be no weakening of our resolve and vigilance in vigorously defending the principles of Democracy in Canada AND Israel. We must be eternally "on guard", but we must be careful to keep all things in balance and avoid fear-mongering.
Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter.
W.Dunkley

(7)
Gabe Gewurtz,
December 29, 2002 12:00 AM

Basically, a good summary. A little inaccurate, but good.

A good article, but, there is no evidence that David Rosenzweig was murdered because of his Jewishness. His murderer had just finished an attempted robbery and assault in a pizzeria, he ran out in a panic and ran into David Rosenzweig who happened to be at the wrong place, at the wrong time. Yes, the murderer is a skinhead who had just been released from prison, but he would have killed anybody who happened to be there. David Rosenzweig's religion or appearance had nothing to do with it. The rest of the article is basically correct, except that I do not think the anti-Semitism is quite as bad in other Canadian campuses as it is in Concordia. It is definitely there with some violence, just not quite as bad.

******** Gabe Gewurtz *******

(6)
Jeffrey E. Sams,
December 29, 2002 12:00 AM

A disturbing, yet much needed article.

As an American, it is painful for me to see this rise of anti-Semitism in our close ally and neighbor to the north. This is an edifying and eye-opening article that should serve as a wake-up call to Canadians, the vast majority of which, I am sure, find this vile, evil behavior not only reprehensible, but inconsistent with the principles of democracy and Western Civilization. G-d bless Israel and the Jewish people.

(5)
Mara J. Vogel,
December 29, 2002 12:00 AM

There is nothing new about anti Jewish sentiment in Canada.

In the early 1960's I attended a Jewish Camp in Canada. My friends and I were called "Christ Killers" by children our own age. Just read Irving Abella's book None is Too Many. The none refers to the number of Jewish people from Europe allowed in to Canada during the Holocaust. And don't be fooled by any political party that claims to support Jews. None do.

(4)
Harvey,
December 29, 2002 12:00 AM

Canada is too busy looking for its lost identy.

Canadian leaders have always worried about being a second state of the U.S. and have never been able to step forward but meerly only to creep. John Diefenbaker throw away the best airplain th e the world, the Avero Arrow and the US took over. Our present leader is struggling for control of his party and has no time to look for Anti-Semitism. Like many leaders they seem to pat Araft on the head and kick the Jews in the shin, and smile as they do it. I dought if many leaders understand the Book of Daniel and what it holds for out future. No dought the Jews will get blamed for that also. I'm not Jewish but I wish you luck in your fight for survival and peace for your nation.
G-d Bless
Harvey

(3)
Peter Somers,
December 29, 2002 12:00 AM

Sloppy reporting misleads

And now would you all like the real story.

1. David Rosenzweig's murderer was a non-Jewish visitor to the area who knew (from the street) that the pizza restaurant was a place to get drugs in the neighbourhood (one of the employees was a
known provider). When asked where he could get these drugs some of the instore "wags" told him at the local Esso station. He went there !! and then returned looking for a fight. David Rosenzweig
was in the wrong place at the wrong time. The leading Orthodox Rabbis in Thornhill (a northern suburb of Toronto) spoke that Shabbos about intolerance ?? anti-semitism ?? hate crimes ?? No. He
spoke about the shundah of the drug problem in the Orthodox community.

2. David Ahenakew made his comments AFTER his public speech in private to a local reporter who happened to catch it on tape. The immediate reaction of EVERYONE in public office and the Native
community was shock. He was stripped of his honourary Native Indian titles within 24 hours, has his Order of Canada under review and is being considered for prosecution by the RCMP.

There is certainly hatred in Canada as there is throughout the Western World. And the universities are a considerable source of concern. But Canada's problem is not hatred. It is that we are governed
by a bunch of nonentities.

In terms of gashmius, this is the best place on earth to live bar none.

When I see the glee with which these stories get sent around based on half-facts and outright misrepresentations, I am very disturbed. Ask yourselves this. Would you rather Canada was a hotbed of
anti-semitism where Jews' lives were in danger or are you just uncomfortable that the predictions of rampant anti-semitism in the world just before Moshiach don't happen to fit the facts in
Toronto ?

We have enough enemies in the world without inventing new ones.

(2)
Pierre Mercier,
December 29, 2002 12:00 AM

Pride of being canadian?

Canada...Land of the free?? or Land of Hatred? There was time when I was proud of being Canadian. Now that I see the path it's taking... should I not rather be ashamed?

(1)
PK Murphy,
December 29, 2002 12:00 AM

How does one contact Solidarity with Jews at Risk?

For Canadian readers, could you offer a means of contacting the group Solidarity with Jews at Risk?

I'm told that it's a mitzvah to become intoxicated on Purim. This puzzles me, because to my understanding, it is not considered a good thing to become intoxicated, period.

One of the characteristics of the at-risk youth is their use of drugs, including alcohol. In my experience, getting drunk doesn't reveal secrets. It makes people act stupid and irresponsible, doing things they would never do if they were sober. Also, I know a lot about the horrible health effects of abusing alcohol, because I work at a research center that focuses on addiction and substance abuse.

Also, I am an alcoholic, which means that if I drink, very bad things happen. I have not had a drink in 22 years, and I have no intention of starting now. Surely there must be instances where a person is excused from the obligation to drink. I don't see how Judaism could ever promote the idea of getting drunk. It just doesn't seem right.

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

Putting aside for a moment all the spiritual and philosophical reasons for getting drunk on Purim, this remains an issue of common sense. Of course, teenagers should be warned of the dangers of acute alcohol ingestion. Of course, nobody should drink and drive. Of course, nobody should become so drunk to the point of negligence in performing mitzvot. And of course, a recovering alcoholic should not partake of alcohol on Purim.

Indeed, the Code of Jewish Law explicitly says that if one suspects the drinking may affect him negatively, then he should NOT drink.

Getting drunk on Purim is actually one of the most difficult mitzvot to do correctly. A person should only drink if it will lead to positive spiritual results - e.g. under the loosening affect of the alcohol, greater awareness will surface of the love for God and Torah found deep in the heart. (Perhaps if we were on a higher spiritual level, we wouldn't need to get drunk!)

Yet the Talmud still speaks of an obligation on Purim of "not knowing the difference between Blessed is Mordechai and Cursed is Haman." How then should a person who doesn't drink get the point of “not knowing”? Simple - just go to sleep! (Rama - OC 695:2)

All this applies to individuals. But the question remains - does drinking on Purim adversely affect the collective social health of the Jewish community?

The aversion to alcoholism is engrained into Jewish consciousness from a number of Biblical and Talmudic sources. There are the rebuking words of prophets - Isaiah 28:1, Hosea 3:1 with Rashi, and Amos 6:6, and the Zohar says that "The wicked stray after wine" (Midrash Ne'alam Parshat Vayera).

It is well known that the rate of alcoholism among Jews has historically been very low. Numerous medical, psychological and sociological studies have confirmed this. The connection between Judaism and sobriety is so evident, that the following conversation is reported by Lawrence Kelemen in "Permission to Receive":

When Dr. Mark Keller, editor of the Quarterly Journal of Studies on Alcohol, commented that "practically all Jews do drink, and yet all the world knows that Jews hardly ever become alcoholics," his colleague, Dr. Howard Haggard, director of Yale's Laboratory of Applied Physiology, jokingly proposed converting alcoholics to the Jewish religion in order to immerse them in a culture with healthy attitudes toward drinking!

Perhaps we could suggest that it is precisely because of the use of alcohol in traditional ceremonies (Kiddush, Bris, Purim, etc.), that Jews experience such low rates of alcoholism. This ceremonial usage may actually act like an inoculation - i.e. injecting a safe amount that keeps the disease away.

Of course, as we said earlier, all this needs to be monitored with good common sense. Yet in my personal experience - having been in the company of Torah scholars who were totally drunk on Purim - they acted with extreme gentleness and joy. Amid the Jewish songs and beautiful words of Torah, every year the event is, for me, very special.

Adar 12 marks the dedication of Herod's renovations on the second Holy Temple in Jerusalem in 11 BCE. Herod was king of Judea in the first century BCE who constructed grand projects like the fortresses at Masada and Herodium, the city of Caesarea, and fortifications around the old city of Jerusalem. The most ambitious of Herod's projects was the re-building of the Temple, which was in disrepair after standing over 300 years. Herod's renovations included a huge man-made platform that remains today the largest man-made platform in the world. It took 10,000 men 10 years just to build the retaining walls around the Temple Mount; the Western Wall that we know today is part of that retaining wall. The Temple itself was a phenomenal site, covered in gold and marble. As the Talmud says, "He who has not seen Herod's building, has never in his life seen a truly grand building."

Some people gauge the value of themselves by what they own. But in reality, the entire concept of ownership of possessions is based on an illusion. When you obtain a material object, it does not become part of you. Ownership is merely your right to use specific objects whenever you wish.

How unfortunate is the person who has an ambition to cleave to something impossible to cleave to! Such a person will not obtain what he desires and will experience suffering.

Fortunate is the person whose ambition it is to acquire personal growth that is independent of external factors. Such a person will lead a happy and rewarding life.

With exercising patience you could have saved yourself 400 zuzim (Berachos 20a).

This Talmudic proverb arose from a case where someone was fined 400 zuzim because he acted in undue haste and insulted some one.

I was once pulling into a parking lot. Since I was a bit late for an important appointment, I was terribly annoyed that the lead car in the procession was creeping at a snail's pace. The driver immediately in front of me was showing his impatience by sounding his horn. In my aggravation, I wanted to join him, but I saw no real purpose in adding to the cacophony.

When the lead driver finally pulled into a parking space, I saw a wheelchair symbol on his rear license plate. He was handicapped and was obviously in need of the nearest parking space. I felt bad that I had harbored such hostile feelings about him, but was gratified that I had not sounded my horn, because then I would really have felt guilty for my lack of consideration.

This incident has helped me to delay my reactions to other frustrating situations until I have more time to evaluate all the circumstances. My motives do not stem from lofty principles, but from my desire to avoid having to feel guilt and remorse for having been foolish or inconsiderate.

Today I shall...

try to withhold impulsive reaction, bearing in mind that a hasty act performed without full knowledge of all the circumstances may cause me much distress.

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